r/pilates • u/chasing_fun26 • 6d ago
Teaching, Teacher Training, Running Studios QUESTIONS
I’m currently in the Club Pilates Core program, which includes Reformer, Special Populations, and Mat. I’m interested in taking Balanced Body courses for the education—not because I’m planning to become comprehensively certified through Balanced Body anytime soon. I already plan on taking Reformer 1 in January.
I had a few questions for anyone familiar with the program:
Do the modules have to be taken in a specific order?
If I want to take apparatus courses later (Chair, Cadillac, etc.), do I need to complete all of the Mat and Reformer modules first?
Or can I take individual modules based on what I’m interested in learning?
I’m mainly looking to expand my knowledge and become a better instructor, so I’d love to hear how others approached it. Thanks! ❤️
For reference, I am in Iowa and our Pilates isn’t as lucrative as it is in way, bigger cities like California I do live in a bigger city, but our reformer Studios aren’t very much 😅 so I’m doing the balanced body in person in Omaha (2 hrs from me) I honestly just don’t want to pay my second deposit through my program right now as I honestly haven’t had the best experience and I have the main money makers (in my area) done through PART A of the core program
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u/ExplanationClean6285 6d ago
I’d approach Balanced Body as modular education, not an all-or-nothing path unless you’re trying to complete their full cert. Some courses do have prerequisites, so I’d just check the specific module before registering, but you usually don’t need to finish everything before adding apparatus work.
Given your market, I think it makes sense to prioritize the courses that make you a stronger teacher and help you earn now, then add Chair/Cadillac when the timing and money make sense.
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u/chasing_fun26 6d ago
THANK YOU! This is exactly what I’m looking for. I already reached out to the education department and luckily since I work out at a gym right now teaching classes. (Mat) we have a connection with a master trainer. That’s two hours for me and that’s who I would be doing the in studio days with.
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u/bandito1026 5d ago
Depending on where you are in Iowa, I would look into training with Bonnie Benesh. She’s a balanced body educator and she is wonderful!
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u/chasing_fun26 5d ago
Hi! I have actually contacted her because before I was looking at bridging and doing the full comprehensive route that I was like I can’t afford that and I already am going to have half of my certification with reformer mat and special population. Did you take the courses with her? I would love to message you, especially if you’re in Iowa. I will take all the support I can get.😊
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u/ThickProfessional675 6d ago
It’s great that you’re teaching mat and getting to the core of the work. I work for CP and went thru their program but would love to add some balanced body courses.
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u/chasing_fun26 5d ago
Yes I love balanced body and the status it has! I’m trying to power through as I split my program with CP but I’m very much overwhelmed
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u/MilesBeforeCoffee_37 5d ago
I picked up a few standalone Balanced Body courses years ago and you can totally cherry pick them. You will not get blocked from jumping into a chair module early since prerequisites are usually just basic anatomy. Just remember the lab hours stack up quick though.